One theory, presented by Daniel Goleman & Tara Bennett-Goleman suggests that meditation works because of the relationship between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex.
In very simple terms, the amygdala is responsible for generating
emotions while the pre-frontal cortex is involved in introspection and
planning (it is also known as the inhibitory center). The amygdala first
receives emotional signals and sends them to the prefrontal cortex
where planning occurs.
The prefrontal cortex is very good at analyzing and planning, but it
takes a long time to make decisions. The amygdala, on the other hand, is
simpler (and older
in evolutionary terms). It makes rapid judgments about a situation and
has a powerful effect on our emotions and behaviour, linked to survival
needs. For example, if a human sees a lion leaping out at them, the
amygdala will trigger a fight or flight response long before the prefrontal cortex responds.
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